Shelf life

Fauzia Arain, TRIBUNE NEWSPAPERSCHICAGO TRIBUNE

C is for complex (and cookie)

No more snack attacks need fall flat in the wimpy arms of simpleton cookies. Back to Nature granola cookies were a fullon cookie experience, boasting 100 percent whole grain, complex flavors and textures that delivered an adventurous chew and satisfied in a smart-snack sort of way with just one cookie (which is the suggested serving size). Try the Cranberry Pecan--a treat for grown-up palates. Find the 8.5 ounce package for $3.99 at Whole Foods and other retailers nationwide.

Hot tomatoes

It's summertime, and among the greats that come with the season are vines flush with tomatoes ripe for the pickin'. Don't hesitate to load your cart with the blushing produce, because "The Too Many Tomatoes Cookbook" ($19.95, The Countryman Press), by Brian Yarvin, will help you make your way through your stock in no time. The book suggests more than 100 easy ways to put those tomatoes to good use with tempting recipes for dishes such as fried green tomatoes, salsa and gazpacho.

Rockin' rolls

Why bother preheating your oven when you can knock down the pesky wait time keeping you and your crispy egg rolls apart, thanks to this microwavable variety from Kahiki Foods? EasyCrisp Eggrolls do a nice job of imitating baked ones. They come in three flavors: chicken, vegetable, and pork and shrimp. Bonus: No MSG or artificial additives, and they start at 70 calories per serving. Available for $3.99 per package at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Costco stores nationwide, or see kahiki.com /buy/index.aspx for a full list of retailers.